Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Surface Functionalization of Hepatitis E Virus Nanoparticles Using Chemical Conjugation Methods
Published on: May 11, 2018
Surface Engineering of Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery to Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Jingxiong Lu1, Jin Wang1, Daishun Ling1
1Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
Abstract:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. There is a lack of efficient therapy for HCC; the only available first-line systemic drug, sorafenib, can merely improve the average survival by two months. Among the efforts to develop an efficient therapy for HCC, nanomedicine has drawn the most attention, owing to its unique features such as high drug-loading capacity, intrinsic anticancer activities, integrated diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities, and easy surface engineering with targeting ligands. Despite its tremendous advantages, no nanomedicine can be effective unless it successfully targets the tumor site, which is a challenging task. In this review, the features of HCC are described, and the physiological hurdles that prevent nanoparticles from targeting HCC are discussed. Then, the surface physicochemical factors of nanoparticles that can influence targeting efficiency are discussed. Finally, a thorough description of the physiological barriers that nanomedicine must conquer before uptake by HCC cells if possible is provided, as well as the surface engineering approaches to nanomedicine to achieve targeted delivery to HCC cells. The physiological hurdles and corresponding solutions summarized in this review provide a general guide for the rational design of HCC targeting nanomedicine systems.
Insights
Developing effective nanomedicine for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) requires overcoming targeting challenges. This review guides the rational design of HCC-targeting nanomedicine by discussing physiological hurdles and surface engineering strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality with limited therapeutic options.
- Current first-line treatment, sorafenib, offers minimal survival benefit.
- Nanomedicine presents promising therapeutic potential for HCC due to its unique properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics of HCC and the challenges in nanoparticle targeting.
- To discuss the influence of nanoparticle physicochemical properties on targeting efficiency.
- To outline physiological barriers and surface engineering strategies for HCC-targeted nanomedicine delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HCC features and nanomedicine targeting principles.
- Analysis of physiological hurdles in nanoparticle delivery to HCC.
- Discussion of surface modification techniques for enhanced nanomedicine targeting.
Main Results:
- HCC presents specific physiological characteristics that impede nanoparticle accumulation.
- Nanoparticle surface properties significantly affect targeting efficiency.
- Overcoming physiological barriers is crucial for successful nanomedicine uptake by HCC cells.
Conclusions:
- Targeted delivery of nanomedicine to HCC remains a significant challenge.
- Rational design incorporating surface engineering is essential for effective HCC nanomedicine.
- This review provides a framework for developing improved HCC-targeting nanomedicine systems.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers